LEYTON ORIENT have launched a legal battle to get the decision to allow West Ham free reign at the Olympic Stadium struck out.

The League One club want to ground-share at the £429million venue and have asked for permission for a judicial review of the bid process.

Mr Hearn said: "The rules of the bidding process, created by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), we do not believe provided for teaming, which is for all parties to share the stadium.

"It is our legal opinion that this is a fundamental flaw of the bidding process.

"We have gone to the High Court to have the decision struck out."

The LLDC board, which is tasked with sorting out the stadium's future, named West Ham as the number one choice to move into the Olympic Stadium in December.

A LLDC spokesman said: "We have been notified that Leyton Orient have made the decision to issue proceedings for judicial review.

The Stadium was the centre of the 2012 Olympic Games

It is our legal opinion that this is a fundamental flaw of the bidding process.

Leyton Orient owner Barry Hearn

"Whilst this is disappointing, we believe that our processes have been robust, fair and transparent and that the challenge is misconceived."

Hearn argues that the process did not allow Orient the opportunity to make an effective case for a ground-share.

He said: "We have to protect ourselves.

"We are doing everything we can to protect Leyton Orient Football Club, which is endangered by West Hammoving to the stadium."

The original deal for West Ham to leave Upton Park and move two miles to take over the stadium collapsed in 2011 due to legal challenges from Tottenham and Orient.

But the LLDC subsequently picked the Hammers as the preferred bidder from a shortlist of four potential anchor tenants, ahead of rivals from Intelligent Transport Services in association with Formula One, UCFB College of Football Business and Leyton Orient.

The stadium is to be a multi-use venue which the Hammers would rent for 25 days a year on a 99-year lease.